Line tension measuring device

ABSTRACT

The invention is a fishing pole with an integrated line tension measuring device. Measured line tension is displayed in quantitative units, pounds or kilograms. A line tension warning system activates when the sensed line tension exceeds a threshold set by the fisherman. The line tension measuring device does not touch the fishing line so the fishing pole with integrated line tension measuring device fishes and operates like a normal fishing pole. The line tension measuring device may be integrated into the fishing reel seat which, in turn, is an integral part of the fishing pole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/307,840 file Feb. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,295, to Pekin.

DESCRIPTION

The invention is a fishing pole with an integrated line tensionmeasuring device. Measuring fishing line tension or “drag” has alwaysbeen subjective. Most often a fisherman pulls on the line by hand andadjusts the drag, or braking force on the reel, based on what the pull‘feels’ like. While fighting a fish, it is difficult to know how hardthe fish is pulling on the line. The invention, a fishing pole thatmeasures and displays the actual pull on the line in quantitative units,e.g. pounds or kilograms, enables the fisherman to accurately set thedrag and know how hard a fish is pulling on the line. The line tensionis measured and displayed continuously, thereby enabling the fishermanto accurately adjust the drag even when fighting a fish.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention applies to the field of fishing and more particularly tothe design of fishing poles.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

In the field of sport fishing, the desire for a proper drag setting is acontinuing, yet unsatisfied goal. Current fishing reels apply a drag, orbraking force, to the line by a variety of mechanisms. In an effort tomeasure the drag or braking force on the line, a variety of apparatushave been disclosed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 960,535 Gilfillan, Jun.7, 1910; U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,474, Mandolf, Jul. 15, 1952; and U.S. Pat.No. 4,660,666; Reder, Apr. 28, 1987, disclose fishing scales and weightsthat are equipped with hooks to attach to a reel to be adjusted. In thepractical environment, however, fishermen prefer to keep their fishingline threaded through the “eyes” of their fishing rods with a lure orhook tied at the end of the line. A rod and reel set maintained in thisform is termed “rigged.” To measure the drag on a rigged rod and reelusing the aforementioned systems, the hook would either have to beattached at the lure, or to a loop tied on the fishing line between thereel and the first eye of the rod. In the first method, setting the dragwould require one person to hold the scale, while a second person holdsthe reel to monitor the drag release. While the second method can beperformed by a single person by attaching the scale to the loop, thiswould require re-threading the line through the eyes of the rod andretying the lure each time that a drag measurement is performed. Bothapproaches are impractical and not used by the average fisherman.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,198 issued to Yamanouchi, Jan. 15, 2002 discloses ahand held scale to measure line drag by threading the line through apulley and pulling the scale apparatus away from the reel until the dragslips. This approach is difficult and requires the fisherman to carrythis extra apparatus with him.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,038 issued to Hirose Jun. 17, 1997 discloses afishing reel with a mechanism for measuring line tension. This deviceemploys a coil opposed to thin magnetostrictive bands bonded to thespool shaft to determine the torque applied to the spool shaft. In orderto translate torque into line tension, the height of the line wound ontothe spool must be determined with, for example, an ultrasonic measuringdevice. While this device may actually produce a quantifiablemeasurement, the circuitry involved is relatively complex and would becorrespondingly expensive. Fishing reels are already one of the moresignificant expenses in fishing and purchasing new reels with this typeof mechanism would be very expensive. The present invention describedherein allows significant cost savings versus a reel based measurementsystem. The present invention allows the fisherman to use any existingfishing reel. Often times a fisherman will use a single pole with avariety of different reels, depending on the species of fish he istargeting.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,258 issued to Adams, et al. Dec. 27, 1983 disclosesa device for measuring and signaling of fishing line pull which can beattached to a fishing pole. This device does not measure the line pullin quantitative units, but displays various color lights to indicate theamount of pull. This device requires the fishing line to be internallythreaded through it for the line to press against the spring biased rodwhich switches the lights. Those skilled in the art realize thatthreading the fishing line through any device adversely impacts itspractical application for fishing. For most types of fishing, thefishing line must run free from the reel through the fishing pole guideswith no obstruction. Any additional routing of the fishing line throughmeasuring apparatus will adversely impact both casting, where the linemust run free and unimpeded from the reel, and fishing, where thefisherman needs the line sensitivity to feel the bait swimming and thetarget fish biting.

In spite of the aforementioned patents and devices, incorporated hereinby reference, drag setting is still a practice normally performed priorto fishing by pulling the line by hand and setting the fishing reel dragto what ‘feels’ right. The present invention will change this andprovide the user with accurate feedback in quantitative units, pounds orkilograms, to assist in accurately set the drag.

Reporting actual fishing line tension is important because currentfishing reels do not apply constant fishing line tension. Fishing reeldrags apply a near constant braking torque on the fishing line spool.The actual line tension applied by the drag varies due to a variety offactors however. It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art,that the actual line tension applied by the drag is dependent on thedistance from the center of the spool to the outside of the fishing linewinding. Therefore, the drag applied tension on the line varies relativeto the amount of line on the spool. Additionally, the amount of dragapplied by a reel may change as the drag mechanism heats or cools orbinds.

Once a fisherman is engaged on a fish, the line tension varies due tothe factors discussed in the previous paragraph. It is currentlyimpossible to know the actual line tension when fighting a fish. It isalso impossible to know accurately how the line tension changes whenadjusting the drag while fighting a fish.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention, a fishing pole with integrated linetension measuring device, measures the fishing line tension at all timeswithout any ancillary apparatus. The invention provides the constantmeasurement and display of fishing line tension in quantitative units,e.g. pounds or kilograms. Using the invention, the user can monitor thefishing line tension applied by the drag precisely both before fishing,and more importantly, while a fish is being fought. The invention allowsthe fisherman to adjust the drag and view the resulting line tensionchange immediately.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description and accompanying drawings whichset forth illustrative embodiments in which the principles of theinvention are described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome more apparent upon reading the following detailed specificationand drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the fishingpole with integrated line tension measuring device according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the same embodiment detailing the fishing polehandle with integrated line tension measuring device.

FIG. 3 is a view of the same embodiment detailing the sliding reel mountmechanism that applies the line tension pressure to the measurementdevice.

FIG. 4 is a view of the same embodiment with the sliding reel mountremoved to show the internal slide apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view of the same embodiment detailing the sliding reel mountremoved from the slide.

FIG. 6 is a view of the same embodiment detailing the display, warningdevices, and electronics package in the handle of the fishing pole.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a reel seatwith integrated line tension measuring device according to theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a view of the reel seat embodiment detailing the sliding reelmount mechanism that applies the line tension pressure to themeasurement device.

FIG. 9 is a view of the reel seat embodiment with the sliding reel mountmechanism removed to show the internal slide apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a view of the reel seat embodiment detailing the sliding reelmount removed from the reel seat.

FIG. 11 is a view of the reel seat embodiment detailing the electronicspackage integrated in the reel seat.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reel and pole with a translationstage according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a reel and translation stage according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a reel according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a reel according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a sketch of a line tension measuring device with a wirelesstransmitter according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Many of the figures describing the preferred embodiments of theinventions show a fishing reel for illustrative purposes. The fishingreel itself is not part of the invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective viewshowing the preferred embodiment of the fishing pole with integratedline tension measuring device according to the invention. A fishing poleconsists of a rod (1) and handle (2). The rod extends all the waythrough the center of the handle to the base of the fishing pole. A reelseat (3), or place to connect the reel, is commonly situated in thecenter section of the handle. In this embodiment, the line tensionmeasuring device (4) and line tension display (5) are integrated intothe handle portion of the fishing pole.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view detailing the handle portion of thepreferred embodiment of the fishing pole with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The handle consist of theforward grip (11), a sliding reel mount (7), and the butt (10). The reel(9) is connected to the sliding reel mount (7) in the standard fashion.The reel (9) is solidly affixed to the sliding reel mount (7) andtogether act and move as a single unit. The sliding reel mount (7) ismounted on an internal spline or slide (8) which allows the reel/reelmount body (7,9) to move in the longitudinal direction along the longaxis of the pole. The length of travel is very small and will be barelynoticeable by the user. Rotation is prevented by the internal spline orslide (8). The sliding reel mount (7) contacts the pressure sensor (6)which measures the force applied by the fishing line (1). The fishingline (1 ) pulls the reel (9) and sliding reel mount (7) into thepressure sensor (6). The signal from the pressure sensor (6) drives theline tension display device (2) through the electronics package (5).Since the fishing line (1) pulls parallel to the internal spline orslide (8), the force applied on the pressure sensor (6) is essentiallyequivalent to the force exerted by the fishing line (1) and reel dragmechanism. FIG. 2 shows a visual line tension warning device (3) and anaudible line tension warning device (4) placed in the forward grip (11).These devices warn the user when the line tension exceeds the linetension threshold as set by the user.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view detailing the internal construction of thepreferred embodiment of the fishing pole with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The numbering of theindividual parts are the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 depicts the fishingpole handle with the butt (10 in FIG. 2) removed. The sliding reel seat(7) slides on the internal spline or slide (8). The sliding reel seat(7) has a contact point (12) which applies pressure to the pressuresensor (6) when the handle is in its normal configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view detailing the internal construction of thepreferred embodiment of the fishing pole with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The numbering of theindividual parts are the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows the fishingpole handle with the sliding reel seat and reel (7 & 9 in FIG. 2)removed for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view detailing the construction of the preferredembodiment of the fishing pole with integrated line tension measuringdevice according to the invention. The numbering of the individual partsare the same as in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows the sliding reel mount and reel(7 & 9). The internal spline or slide (8) allows the sliding reel mount(7) contact point (12) to apply pressure on the pressure sensor (6 inFIG. 2). For clarity, the reel clamps on the sliding reel mount have notbeen shown. They are of the standard twist lock type, well known tothose skilled in the art. The actual method of attaching the reel to thesliding reel mount is not material to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view detailing the electronics package of thepreferred embodiment of the fishing pole with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The electronics packagecontains the control buttons (13) battery cover (14), and data jack(15). The actual electronics are inside the electronics package and notshown. The batteries (internal, not shown) supply the power to thepressure sensor (6), electronics (internal, not shown), display (2) andwarnings (3,4). In this embodiment, the line tension display (2) is aliquid crystal display commonly called an LCD. The line tension visualwarning (3) is a light emitting diode commonly called an LED. The linetension audible warning (4) is a piezo buzzer. The data jack (15) allowsthe connection of other electronic equipment to the pressure sensoroutput. In this embodiment, the data jack (15) provides an analogvoltage output proportional to the pressure applied to the pressuresensor (6).

The control buttons (13) control the modes of operation of the display(2) and warning indicators (3,4). The modes of operation of thepreferred embodiment are: Setup, real-time tension, maximum tension, andthreshold sensing.

Setup mode controls the display and warning parameters. The display (2)can be configured to show pounds or kilograms. Setup allows the user tospecify a line tension threshold in the selected units. Setup allows theuser to activate or de-activate the line tension threshold alarms.

Real-time mode displays the current line tension on the display (2) inthe selected units, pounds or kilograms.

Maximum tension mode holds and displays the maximum tension in theselected units. Pressing either control button while in maximum tensionmode resets the maximum tension hold register to 0. Maximum tension modewould be used to set the drag on the fishing reel. The user would pullthe line from the reel until the reel drag slipped. The display wouldshow the maximum amount of line tension applied by the reel drag.

Threshold sensing mode monitors the line tension and activates theaudible (4) and visual (3) warnings if the measured line tension exceedsthe set threshold. Pressing either control button when the alarms areactivated turns off the alarms. Threshold sensing could be used todetect fish biting, or detect fouling of lures or hooks while fishing ortrolling.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of a reelseat with integrated line tension measuring device according to theinvention. Integrating the measuring device into a self contained reelseat mechanism reduces the complexity of building a fishing pole with anintegrated line tension measuring device. During fabrication of fishingpoles, the reel seat is slid onto the fishing rod blank and permanentlyaffixed to the handle end of the rod. The complete reel seat mechanismas depicted in FIG. 7 can be fixed to the blank in the identicalfashion, thereby simplifying production of a fishing pole withintegrated line tension measuring device. In FIG. 7 the reel seat withintegrated line tension measuring device is shown on the rod blank (11).The reel seat consist of a sliding reel mount (7), pressure sensor (6),electronics (5), line tension display and warnings (2, 3, 4), internalspline or slide (8), and lock nut (10) at the end of the spline orslide. The lock nut (10) controls the length of travel for the slidingreel mount (7). The lock nut (10) is adjusted to keep the reel mount (7)very close to the pressure sensor (6). The reel (9) is connected to thesliding reel mount (7) in the standard fashion. The reel (9) is solidlyaffixed to the sliding reel mount (7) and they move together as a singleunit. The sliding reel mount or reel seat (7) is mounted on a reel seatreceiving portion or section, which may include an internal spline orslide (8) which allows the reel/reel mount (7,9) to move in thelongitudinal direction along the long axis of the pole. Rotation isprevented by the internal spline or slide (8). The sliding reel mount(7) contacts the pressure sensor (6) which measures the force applied bythe fishing line (1). The fishing line (1) pulls the reel (9) andsliding reel mount (7) into the pressure sensor (6). The signal from thepressure sensor (6) drives the line tension display device (2) throughthe electronics package (5). Since the fishing line (1) pulls parallelto the internal spline or slide (8), the force applied on the pressuresensor (6) is essentially equivalent to the force on the fishing line(1).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view detailing the internal construction of thepreferred embodiment of the reel seat with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The numbering of theindividual parts are the same as in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 depicts the reel seatwith the lock nut (10 in FIG. 7) removed and the sliding reel mount (7)partially pulled down the internal spline or slide (8). The sliding reelmount (7) has a contact point (12) which applies pressure to thepressure sensor (6) when the sliding reel mount (7) is in its normalconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view detailing the internal construction of thepreferred embodiment of the reel seat with integrated line tensionmeasuring device according to the invention. The numbering of theindividual parts are the same as in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows the reel seatwith the sliding reel mount and reel (7 & 9 in FIG. 8) removed forclarity. FIG. 9 shows the threading (13) for the lock nut (10 in FIG. 7)at the end of the internal spline or slide (8). In normal configurationthe lock nut limits the sliding reel mount travel and maintains a tightfit between the sliding reel mount and the pressure sensor.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view detailing the sliding reel mount and reel(7 & 9). The internal spline or slide (8) allows the sliding reel mount(7) contact point (12) to contact the pressure sensor (6 in FIG. 8). Forclarity, the reel clamps on the sliding reel mount have not been shown.They are of the standard twist lock type, well known to those skilled inthe art. The actual method of attaching the reel to the sliding reelmount is not material to the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view detailing the electronics package anddisplay of the preferred embodiment of the reel seat with integratedline tension measuring device according to the invention. The numberingof the individual parts are the same as in FIG. 7. The electronicspackage (5 in FIG. 7) contains the control buttons (13 battery cover(14), and data jack (15). The actual electronics are inside theelectronics package and not shown. The batteries (internal, not shown)supply the power to the pressure sensor (6), electronics, display (2)and warnings (3,4). In this embodiment, the line tension display (2) isa liquid crystal display commonly called an LCD. The line tension visualwarning (3) is a light emitting diode commonly called an LED. The linetension audible warning (4) is a piezo buzzer. The data jack (15) allowsthe connection of other electronic recording equipment to the pressuresensor output. In this embodiment, the data jack (15) provides an analogvoltage output proportional to the pressure applied to the pressuresensor (6). Operation of the buttons, alarms and display are asdescribed above.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 12 and13, the line tension measuring device is located in a translation stage101 which bridges between a fishing reel 102 and a fishing pole 103. Thetranslation stage 101 is adapted to measure and display the force alongthe pole axis direction, a force which is indicative of the line tensionin the fishing line from the reel and running along the pole.

In some embodiments, the translation stage 101 has a main body 109 witha slot 104 adapted to receive a slider 105. The fishing reel 102 mountsto the slider 105 which is a receiving portion of the stage, and thissub-assembly may move within the slot 104, which is part of the mountingportion of the stage. The slider 105 may be constrained within the slot104 by an end plate 107. The slider 105 may simply slide, or may slidewith the aid of bearings or other friction reducing devices in someembodiments.

The slider 105 contacts the pressure sensor 106 which measures the forceapplied by the fishing line. The fishing line pulls the reel 102 and theslider 105 on to which the reel 102 is mounted into the pressure sensor106. The signal from the pressure sensor 106 drives the line tensiondisplay device 108 through the electronics package within thetranslation stage. Since the fishing line pulls essentially parallel tothe slider 105, the force applied on the pressure sensor 106 isessentially equivalent to the force on the fishing line. The use of theslider allows for the use of a standard fishing pole, and a standardreel, with the enhanced functionalities of the line tension measuringdevice. The translation stage may use other means for the lineartranslation of the reel relative to the pole in some embodiments. Theline tension display device may be a visual display such as a numericreadout indication of pounds of force.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 14 and15, an apparatus 200 includes both a reel body 201 as well as the linetension measuring device 204. The reel 201 has a first tab 202 and asecond tab 203 adapted to be inserted into and captured by a standardpole interface. The reel 201 may have a frame for supporting a linespool, wherein the line spool has a spool rotation axis. The measuringdevice 204 includes a first portion attached to the reel body 201 aswell as second portion which includes the first and second tabs. Thefirst portion and the second portion are adapted to slide relative toeach other, using sliding surfaces, bearings, or other means. The firstportion presses upon a force gauge 205 which is adapted to measure theforce between the two portions, which is a very good representation inthe tension in a line from the reel running down the pole.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 16, theline tension display device 201 may be separated from the reel 202, thetranslation stage, and even the pole. The line tension display device201 may be connected via wireless transmission to the line tensionmeasuring device. The display may be on the dash of the fishing boat,for example, adjacent to other electronics such as a fish finder. Thistype of remote use may allow a user to view the line tension of atrolling line while piloting a boat, for example.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A fishing pole comprising: (a) a longitudinally elongated tapered rodhaving a larger proximal end and a smaller distal tip end, and (b) ahandle on said larger proximal end of said rod, and (c) a plurality ofline guides mounted to said rod intermittently spaced from said handleto said distal tip end configured to guide a fishing line from saiddistal tip end to said handle portion of said rod, and (d) a forcemeasurement device configured, when in operational mode, to produce aresponse indicative of an externally generated force wherein the forcemeasurement device generates a response indicative of a force applied ina substantially longitudinal direction of the pole, from proximal todistal tip end, which includes the force of said fishing line pulledthrough said line guides and wherein said response will vary over arange extending from a minimum response level indicative of a lowerexternally generated force to a maximum response level indicative of ahigher externally generated force, and including a plurality ofintermediate response levels between the minimum response level and themaximum response level, and wherein said response is substantiallyindependent of flexure of said rod, and (e) a reel seat configured toreceive and secure a fishing reel, and (f) a reel seat receivingportion, wherein said reel seat is configured to move with respect tosaid reel seat receiving portion in response to the force applied in thesubstantially longitudinal direction from proximal to distal tip endwhich includes the force of said fishing line pulled through said lineguides, and (g) wherein said force measurement device comprises a sensorconfigured to produce a response, in operational mode, indicative ofsaid externally generated force based on the movement of said reel seatwith respect to said reel seat receiving portion.
 2. The fishing pole ofclaim 1 further comprising a visual display configured, when inoperational mode, to display a value based on said response of saidforce measurement device indicative of said externally generated force.3. The fishing pole of claim 1 further comprising an electrical dataconnection configured to allow external equipment to monitor an outputof said force measurement device.
 4. The fishing pole of claim 1 furthercomprising a wireless transmitter, said wireless transmitter adapted totransmit an output of said force measurement device.
 5. The fishing poleof claim 4 further comprising a visual display, said visual displayphysically separated from said fishing pole, wherein said visual displaydisplays a value based upon information transmitted by said wirelesstransmitter.
 6. The fishing pole of claim 1, wherein said reel seatreceiving portion comprises a spline or slide, and said reel seatcomprises a sliding reel mount configured for sliding engagement withsaid spline or slide to allow movement of the reel mount in saidlongitudinal direction.
 7. The fishing pole of claim 1, wherein thesensor is mounted between said reel seat and said reel seat receivingportion.
 8. A fishing pole comprising: (a) a rod having a proximal endand a distal tip end, (b) a handle on said proximal end of said rod, (e)a reel seat configured to receive a fishing reel, (f) a reel seatreceiving portion, wherein said reel seat is configured to move withrespect to said reel seat receiving portion in response to an externallygenerated force applied in a substantially longitudinal direction of thepole, from proximal to distal tip end, which includes the force of afishing line pulled along the longitudinal direction, and (d) a forcemeasurement device configured, when in operational mode, to continuouslyproduce a response indicative of the externally generated force, theforce measurement device including a sensor configured to continuouslyproduce a response, in operational mode, indicative of said externallygenerated force based on the movement of said reel seat with respect tosaid reel seat receiving portion.
 9. The fishing pole of claim 8 furthercomprising a visual display configured, when in operational mode, todisplay a value based on said response of said force measurement deviceindicative of said externally generated force.
 10. The fishing pole ofclaim 8 further comprising an electrical data connection configured toallow external equipment to monitor an output of said force measurementdevice.
 11. The fishing pole of claim 8 further comprising a wirelesstransmitter, said wireless transmitter adapted to transmit an output ofsaid force measurement device.
 12. The fishing pole of claim 11 furthercomprising a visual display, said visual display physically separatedfrom said fishing pole, wherein said visual display displays a valuebased upon information transmitted by said wireless transmitter.
 13. Thefishing pole of claim 8, wherein the sensor is mounted between said reelseat and said reel seat receiving portion.
 14. The fishing pole of claim8, further comprising an electronics package mounted to the pole, theelectronics package comprising: one or more control buttons operable bythe user; a display; a warning device; and a power source configured tosupply power to the sensor, and the display.
 15. A fishing polecomprising: (a) a rod having a proximal end and a distal tip end, (b) ahandle on said proximal end of said rod, (d) a force measurement deviceconfigured, when in operational mode, to produce a response indicativeof an externally generated force applied in a substantially longitudinaldirection of the pole, from proximal to distal tip end, which includesthe force of a fishing line pulled along with longitudinal direction,and wherein said response will vary over a range extending from aminimum response level indicative of a lower externally generated forceto a maximum response level indicative of a higher externally generatedforce, and including a plurality of intermediate response levels betweenthe minimum response level and the maximum response level; (e) a reelseat configured to receive and secure a fishing reel; (f) a reel seatreceiving portion, wherein said reel seat is configured to move withrespect to said reel seat receiving portion in response to the forceapplied in the substantially longitudinal direction from proximal todistal tip end which includes said force of said fishing line pulledalong said generally longitudinal direction, and (g) wherein said forcemeasurement device comprises a sensor mounted between the reel seat andthe reel seat receiving portion configured to produce a response, inoperational mode, indicative of said externally generated force based onthe movement of said reel seat with respect to said reel seat receivingportion.
 16. The fishing pole of claim 15 further comprising a visualdisplay configured, when in operational mode, to display a value basedon said response of said force measurement device indicative of saidexternally generated force.
 17. The fishing pole of claim 15 furthercomprising an electrical data connection configured to allow externalequipment to monitor an output of said force measurement device.
 18. Thefishing pole of claim 15 further comprising a wireless transmitter, saidwireless transmitter adapted to transmit an output of said forcemeasurement device.
 19. The fishing pole of claim 18 further comprisinga visual display, said visual display physically separated from saidfishing pole, wherein said visual display displays a value based uponinformation transmitted by said wireless transmitter.